The app, which was founded in 2012 and currently serves 24 metropolitan areas, links users to shoppers who pick up the requested goods at stores such as Costco, Jimbo’s and Ralph’s. The app now delivers to the following San Diego County zip codes: 92111, 92122, 92092, 92093, 92123, 92124, 92109, 92117, 92120, 92107, 92037, and 92106.

“We are incredibly excited for San Diego,” Sean Twersky, general manager for Instacart, said. “What I love about San Diego, in particular, is how active everyone is down there. People are looking for affordable options to help them manage their time.”

Twersky said the company was developed in San Francisco with the goal of helping people find more time for other activities such as being with one’s family.

“The problem the company is solving is ultimately time,” Twersky said. “It takes folks a lot of time, especially if you have children, to shop for groceries. We’re selling two hours of your day back for a couple of dollars. To have the groceries just show up at your door is pretty magical.”

The cost of the service? $5.99 for most orders less than $35. Or, you could pay $149 for an annual membership that includes unlimited orders.

Instacart isn’t the only player in the game of delivering groceries though. Companies such as Shipt, Postmates and Amazon Fresh also offer the service. Individual grocery chains, like Albertsons, also offer groceries on-demand.

But the California-based company, which employs more than 300 full-time employees and thousands of independent contractors, stands apart for several reasons, Twersky said.

“We have partners,” Twersky said. “We work with companies that we know have deep relationships with customers. And, we’re truly on-demand. If you place your order right now, it will show up in an hour.”

Twersky said products are also verified by the shoppers to ensure its quality.

“Our shoppers won’t grab it for you unless it’s the best of the bunch,” Twersky said.

The fast-growing company hopes to expand further on the West Coast. Twersky said Instacart plans to double its delivery zone in Orange County and launch in Phoenix, Arizona in late October.

Grocery Delivery App Instacart Doubles Efforts in San Diego was last modified: September 21st, 2016 by Hoa Quach

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